Survival means different things to different people in different situations. But there are eight types of natural disasters that can—and likely will—affect anyone and everyone. Whether you live in tornado country, a flood zone, or an urban area, you need to know what you’re up against so you can prepare for the worst. This guide compiles our very best in-the-moment tactics, time-tested advice, and gear recommendations so that you will not only survive, but thrive—before, during, and after—disaster strikes.
How to Survive
DISASTERS WE WILL FACE • WEATHER IS PART OF LIFE BUT THERE ARE TIMES WHEN IT HAS DIFFERENT PLANS. YOU’RE ABOUT TO GET SOME TIME-TESTED ADVICE ON WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE THOSE TIMES OF “OH NO!”
Know What You’re Getting Into • Meet These Eight Disasters.
BEFORE IT HAPPEN • GET READY—SMART DISASTER PLANNING CAN HELP YOU THRIVE, NOT JUST SURVIVE, IN THE AFTERMATH.
An ETA With No Invitation • DISASTER PLANNING SHOULD BEGIN BEFORE YOU EVEN CHOOSE YOUR HOME. IS IT IN A FLOOD ZONE? IS THERE A HISTORY OF HURRICANES, WILDFIRES, OR TORNADOES? AFTER YOU’VE SETTLED IN, IT’S TIME TO LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE CALLED “WHERE I LIVE.
Assistance From Trees • WHEN YOU’RE LOOKING FOR HELP, LOOKING UP IS A GOOD PLACE TO START.
Three Tree Cuts Everyone Should Know
HOW TO Split Firewood • It may be a hobby, but even if it isn’t, there are skills to learn because you have to.
Whiskey Torch • Fire-powered lanterns can offer a welcome bit of light when the electricity goes out. Here’s one of our favorite DIY versions.
Rocket Stove • This useful, easy-to-make campfire alternative can provide you with a source of heat and a place to cook food or boil water.
WHEN IT HITS • THE BROADCASTS BECOME 'SPECIAL REPORTS,' YOUR NEIGHBORS ARE IN MOTION, AND THE ROADS ARE PACKED WITH CARS ON EVACUATION ROUTES, INCLUDING BACK ROADS. HERE’S WHAT TO EXPECT—AND HOW TO SURVIVE—NO MATTER THE LOCATION OR SITUATION.
This Looks Different • LEAVING YOUR HOME IS NEVER EASY, BUT MOTHER NATURE DOESN’T CARE. THINKING AHEAD WILL HELP YOU FIND A WAY OUT OF A BAD SITUATION.
How to Spot a Tornado
How to Survive • THE SAFE PLACE
Stay Ahead of the Storm • Whether you’re in an open field, fishing in the open ocean, or visiting the Great Lakes region, you should always be aware of potential threats
How Not to Die • AT LEAST NOT TODAY.
LESSONS LEARNED • SOME ESSENTIAL NEED-TO-KNOWS FROM THOSE WHO’VE BEEN THERE (AND ARE STILL HERE).
When It’s Not a Movie You’re Watching • GETTING THROUGH THE WORST IS ALWAYS A GREAT STORY, BUT YOU HAVE TO GET THROUGH IT TO TELL IT. NOW THAT YOU KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR AND HOW TO PREP FOR NATURAL DISASTERS BEFORE THEY HAPPEN, HERE’S A ROUNDUP OF SOME HELPFUL SURVIVAL TOPICS, TALES, AND IN-THE-MOMENT TACTICS YOU MAY NOT HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT.
SHORE UP YOUR WEAK LINKS • Set aside some time to check and secure these key areas of your house.
TALES OF SURVIVAL: The Decision • To have any chance of saving his friend, a hiker has to leave him behind.
Four Summertime Hazards • New ways to survive the wildest outdoor season unscathed.
How to Identify Plants • When you’re hungry, the woods offer their own variety of fresh produce. You just need to know w hat to pick.
How to Identify Tracks • Whether you’re finding food or a voiding possible predators, you should know how to recognize the different prints animals leave.
How to Remove Objects from Your Skin • If the situation is serious, keep your composure. Calm people make better decisions. When you’re truly out of your element, apply pressure and hope the EMTs don’t hit traffic.
Getting a Needed Hand (Because nobody can do this alone) • WHEN YOU’RE FACING A...